HPV Vaccination for Men Expands in China, Highlighting Male Protection in Disease Prevention

HPV Vaccination for Men in China

Several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, and Chengdu, have begun offering human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to their male populations. While HPV infection is often associated with women's health, experts emphasize the importance of vaccinating men to prevent virus transmission and related diseases in both men and their partners.

The quadrivalent HPV vaccine, developed by Merck, was approved for males in China on January 8th. This vaccine targets HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, which are responsible for a significant portion of genital warts and anal cancers.

The vaccine is available to both females (ages 9-45) and males (ages 9-26). It requires three doses, with each dose costing around 800 yuan ($109).

Experts point out that while HPV is widely recognized as the primary cause of cervical cancer in women, its impact on men is often overlooked. HPV types 6 and 11 cause nearly 90% of genital warts, while HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 90% of anal cancers.

Furthermore, HPV-related cancers and genital warts in men are often diagnosed at advanced stages due to the lack of routine screening. Studies indicate that the HPV infection rate in men is higher than in women.

The first peak of HPV infection in males occurs between ages 18 and 24. Therefore, vaccination before this age is crucial for optimal protection. HPV can also infect other parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, and skin, causing tumors and other diseases.

Expanding HPV vaccination to include both genders will significantly reduce infection rates, lower screening and treatment costs, and contribute to the goal of eliminating cervical cancer. Men interested in getting vaccinated can make appointments at community health centers or participating hospitals.

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. This strategy aims to achieve 90% vaccination coverage for girls by age 15, 70% screening coverage for women with a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45, and 90% treatment coverage for women diagnosed with cervical disease by 2030.

China has also issued its own action plan, aiming to achieve similar targets by 2030.